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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Kicking and Screaming.

Today was a....what's the word?.... exciting time for us.....as I decided to take a trip to Michael's (the craft store) after Parker's nap and her snack.

The plan in my head was:
she's had sleep....she's had food....we'll be back before dinner.


Perfect!

So we get to Michael's....she initially kind of fights getting into the cart because she would much rather walk around....but I get her in their sideways....and she seemed content...so I went with it. Hey- beggars can't be choosers!

About 5 minutes in....she is no longer amused...and begins whining...reaching for me...standing up....so I give in. Against Geoff's wisdom....(he was not with me during this trip...but always gives this advise)....because he always says to "just leave her in". (Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice?) Well- I can't always just leave her in! So I'll just leave that to him.

So against my better judgment....I let her down. She does pretty good listening to me and not touching everything in sight....and she even follows me when I want to go to the opposite side of the store.

But then she found the "bu-bbls" (bubbles)....so of course she wants to carry them....and open them....so I get them from her long enough to close them really tight so that she has less of a chance of opening them up and spilling them everywhere! She doesn't like this....but oh well.

And I actually used these "bu-bbls" to my advantage when I wanted to go back to the other side of the store. I just held them behind me and kind of made her chase me. She was LOUD as she followed me. And actually- as I type this...it sounds kind of bad....but she is out of control sometimes....and starts thinking she is bigger than she is and starts to not listen to me! How dare her! :)

So anyway- the above pieces of the story are merely mentioned to add a little information leading up to the good part of the story.

We go to pay. The register is right next to the exit. She's trying to get to the door....I'm picking her up....she's squirming....I pay.....I drop my wallet during all of the bustle....I sign the slip....oh wait!....I see Parker trying to go out the exit and almost get shut in the door!!!

Luckily- she didn't....I was going at super sonic speed. That- and she stepped out of the way herself when the door started to shut. But still.

So I pick her up...she squirms....she wants to walk...so I think, "Ok....she can hold my hand and walk. She is getting to an age where she should probably start walking more in public than us carrying her."

Only problem is....she doesn't like to hold my hand....and more importantly- she does not want to go where I go.

So I hold on tight....not letting go of her little hand. So she sits. Sits down right in the middle of the handicapped parking space. Twice. Attempting to start to throw a fit both times.

I just laughed. It was mostly under my breath. She didn't see. And it wasn't because it is funny....because it's not! But more..."OK- so now we're in this stage."

So I pick her up....kicking and screaming...put her in the car.

I was actually embarrassed by her actions...kind of....I mean- she is only 18 months old...but still...we want our kids to listen to us! And I'm bigger than her! :)

And to add insult to injury. I had a fresh new pack of raisins in my pocket that I had packed for just in case this exact thing happened. I forgot. Go figure.

On the way home I was going to pick up some food for dinner. No problem. Except for the fact that.....I NEVER picked up my wallet!!! Did you already suspect this from earlier?

Moral of the story....because my kid was acting a little on the ornery toddler side....I dropped my wallet....didn't pick it up....drove all the way to pick up dinner....only to realize that I had no wallet....turned around and went back to Michael's....then back to pick up dinner....then home. From the time I left Michael's the first time until I finally got home was 1 hour. Our 30 minutes trip turned into an hour and a half. Good times.

Good news. The cashier that was feeling sorry for me during check-out found my wallet immediately and had tried to run out to find me...but she couldn't. So she locked it up for when I returned!

I guess I just need to do what her daddy does when they go to the store...... He gets a large Red Bull for himself....and a small one for her....not to drink...but to hold on to the cold can...and YES....she puts her mouth all on that dirty can!! But I guess she stays in the seat for him. That's it....I have a great idea.....he can just do all of the shopping from now on....since he's so good at it and all. :)

But it really is terrible! When she sees the Red Bull can anywhere....she starts saying....I mean- yelling..."reh-buh! reh-buh! reh-buh!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Jamie's Baby Shower.


Do you remember my friend Jamie from my college years?? (the first time, that is)

{you can click on the picture to receive a little background on our friendship}

Well- this past weekend....my other best friends from college, Emily and Kelley (respectively) had the pleasure of throwing Jamie a baby shower for her baby boy that is due at the end of this month! She still lives in Waco....and we (Kelley, Emily, and I) live here....so we took a little trip for the special event!


The food was delicious. A few people asked if we made the stuff...to which I replied, "Yes!" But only for a second...because then my conscience got the best of me. It was catered by HEB. I love HEB. I miss HEB.

Don't these cupcakes look good? They melted in your mouth....so to speak. And even if you think that they look good....just want to let you know that they tasted better than they looked! Ha!

Then I made this diaper cake....I know it's kind of bla...and blurry....but hey- at least that little horse figurine thing in the center of the coffee table is in focus! Jamie's 2 year old daughter, Abby, (who you will see shortly) liked it so much she told her momma that she wanted to eat that! She's so cute!

Speaking of Abby...here she is in all of her cuteness....

And here she is again....when she was hiding behind the chair for a bit....

Jamie got some cute boy clothes.....

...some cute little shoes. Everything just seems to be cuter when it is little. Or at least it is to me. We joked about how she should put him in those as soon as he comes out because after that they may not fit him anymore!

But this gift....I thought was great! She even opened them up before the shower ended!

But these little things.....I've never heard of!

They are milk screening strips in case Jamie decides to drink a glass of wine sometime after he arrives....she can test the milk! Ingenius, I tell you!

It was a good time. It was good to see her family and friends...and then, of course, it was good for the 4 of us to all be together again. It doesn't happen often!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Spring Tease....

Above our desk in our bedroom is a window....and through this window...you can see our next door neighbor's tree.

This is the beautiful blooms of spring that I captured on this tree on March 7th....3 weeks ago....



This is that tree today.....

Where did the spring blooms go?

Geoff said the wind blew them off. I just thought they lasted longer than that...

Friday, March 27, 2009

Kids say the darnedest things....

And it's true. They do. They say cute things all the time that you just want to capture in a box, wrap it up, and never forget what they said or even how they said it.

And I know that Parker is still too young for these "darnedest" things that kids say....because our conversations with her are still one-sided for the most part. But I just wanted to share a short "conversation" that we had this week...

The setting:
Parker and I playing in her room...Geoff is at work.... when she randomly starts talking.....

Parker: "Dah-dah! Dah-dah! Dah-dah!"

Me: "Daddy's not here right now. Where is Daddy?"

Parker: "wor?" ('work')

Me: "That's right! Good job! Daddy is at work!"

...less than 3 minutes later.....randomly, again.....

Parker: "Loll-la! Loll-la!" (who is coincidentally, not in the same room as us....like outside or in the living room, etc)

Me: "Where is Lola?"

Parker: "wor?"

Thursday, March 26, 2009

18 month well visit-

Today- Parker had her 18 month well check-up. This appointment was as little different than her other well visits in that....I was not in attendance! :( I had originally scheduled the appointment last week over Spring Break....but the doctor's office called about a month ago and said that my pediatrician would no longer be in that week...so I could have reschedule for the same day with another pediatrician....or reschedule the next week with our pediatrician. Since I knew that she was not getting any vaccinations this time.....and it is kind of important to me to stay with the same pediatrician (at least for her well visits)...because I like her....and because I want the pediatrician to somewhat know (as much as she can) Parker when she comes in.

So- as it were- Geoff took Parker to the pediatrician by himself today. Here are her stats:

Weight: 24 lbs (45th percentile) {she only gained 1/2 pound in the past 3 months}
Height: 33 1/4 inches (92nd percentile)
Head Circumference: 47 cm (60th percentile)

I got a text message from Geoff around 10:00 saying...."She's in the 92nd percentile for height. And she needs to eat more vegetables."

To which I humbly replied...."I know."

But then when I got home....he told me a little bit more. They tested her hearing at this appointment. And because I was not there....I do not know exactly what machine they used or how exactly her hearing was tested....but initially- the test showed that her left ear was fine....but that her right ear was 'inconclusive' (or something along those lines).....then did it again....and the paper that printed out said, "Referral." So then the nurse went to get a different machine thingie that tested for fluid around the ear or wax or something. And it showed no fluid or anything. So then when the doctor came in...she asked Geoff a few more questions (which I cannot remember exactly at this time)...but she seemed to think that she was just fine.

So I trust that she is fine....and I have not noticed, nor ever thought that she could not hear. And actually....when she was a bit younger...I remember thinking "at least I know she can hear well!"....but I can't remember now why I thought that....but I do remember thinking it. So I guess that counts.

I have, however, worried about her vision...not because of any signs that she's displayed....but because of me. When I was 3 I got these really thick coke-bottle glasses. Anyway- the doctor's presumed that I had never really been able to see clearly and that they had just gotten progressively worse over the years (the first 3 years of my life- that is).

So we have been watching for signs of a seeing problems (or is it sight problems?). They did do a screen at her 15 month check-up (that I forgot to mention then) and said that she looked good. And I was also encouraged by the other night when we went to Hobby Lobby with my mom and sister....and she was like....I don't know....a long way away....and when I squatted down (I did this on purpose to see when she would see me)....she saw me almost immediately and started running to me. That is- until she was about 3 feet in front of me and decided to turn around. Did you know that 1 and a half is the new 14?

But basically- I am going to try really, really hard not to miss any other appointments. Not that Geoff is not capable...and not that I would have even asked more questions myself....but at least I would have just been there....or maybe even just have a little more peace of mind to see the doctor's face and hear her when she said that Parker was fine and that there wasn't anything to worry about...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Painted Toes.

I have been meaning to get around to painting my toes for the past few weeks....but with school....being a wife...school....being a mom.....and- did I mention school?......painting my toes tends to fall at the bottom of the list. I know it doesn't take long...so maybe I'm just lazy....that is a very real possibility!

But anyway- a few days ago I did sit down and take off the old nail polish from the pedi I got at the Gaylord when we went to the spa for Geoff's birthday back in November....with my plans being to re-paint my toenails in front of Parker. I wanted her to see me do it....and then see how she reacted....then possibly paint her little toes.

So this morning...my plan was brought into fruition....and she sat there and watched me paint my toes.....then started putting her foot out in front of me....making noises like "me too!" So when I was done with me...I took her socks off and painted her toes for the first time ever!! She was so good to sit there and let me do it....although- it really only took a minute because they are so small....and also- if you look closely (so please don't)....it's really a horrible job. But I didn't want to glop to much on their thinking that she would probably not sit still long enough for it to dry.


{I know the polish color is kind of dark....but it is slim pickin's around here with the nail polish....}


So the painting part went well. It was the after painting part where she decided to have a little meltdown....pointing to her toes and crying alligator tears....


It was kind of sad....but kind of funny....because she watched me...then wanted met to do it....then let me do it. So I just kind of ignored it...let her get it out a little....then asked her she wanted to go outside....put her shoes on....

...and "miraculously"..... she was fine.

And even now when I say...."let me see your toes"....she looks down at them and smiles and kind of sways her head like she is so proud if them. Little toot!

_____________________

So then I was all into looking at her feet...and before she went to sleep.....as she was watching the last few minutes of Word World...I took these pictures. I just couldn't stop myself! Would you have been able to???









I just love these cute little fluffy feet! :)


And yes- I do realize that I just had a "photoshoot" with my kid's feet....and then blogged about it.

And I'm not ashamed one bit!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I don't normally do this....but today I felt compelled to share. I will try to keep this short and sweet (but you all know how well I am at doing that!). Through a friend's blog...I stumbled upon Kelly's Korner about 2 months ago. Kelly has an amazing story of how when her daughter was born, they were initially told that she would not make it through the night...and is now healthy and at home. (check out her blog for the full story....I don't want to mess it up!)

But today- she mentioned a blog called 'my charming kids'... the author of this blog's name is MckMama. Anyway- I had checked out her blog a few weeks ago (randomly, again) and I read the story of how there 4 month old son, Stellan, was diagnosed in utero with some heart problems and were told that he would surely die...yet was born healed.....they call him their "MckMiracle." It is a great story....to say the very least...

Sunday evening however...he ended up in the hospital with supraventricular tachycardia....a really, really high heart rate....his is in the upper 200s and lower 300s. Anyway- if you are interested in the story...visit her site to get the details. I have written and then erased several times in an attempt to get the right words and the right information.... but I do not want to tell the story wrong.

But today especially- MckMama wrote a great post on how God hears our prayers, but answers them in His own time, and in His own plan....and that we should continue to pray.

I was touched by her words...and so- I wanted to give you an opportunity to be touched as well.

_______________

I decided to share this today because it has been heavy on my heart. I have thought of posting things similar to this in the past, but have talked myself out of it because I feel "uncomfortable." But this semester- I have found several blogs and heard of several stories of families dealing with ill children in the hospital or even death. And some days, my pediatric rounds really took their toll on me emotionally.

It can be so disheartening at times. But I continue to be amazed by these stories and the faith that these families have in God and that they keep it through these tribulations. And how they choose to share their story to spread praises of God. It has definitely made me examine my own life....made me thankful for what I have....made me realize how selfish I can be at times and how much I take for granted without even thinking....it has made me realize again just how precious life is. But with all of that being said....I know that I have so much more to learn....I am a work in progress....

Monday, March 23, 2009

a few more 18 month pictures...

For your viewing pleasure...:)


(I couldn't decide if I liked the one above or below better...so when in doubt...post them both!)









Sunday, March 22, 2009

Saturday, March 21, 2009

this is only a test...

test. testing. is this thing on?

The return of the Look-alike Meter.

I don't know how I ran into this MyHeritage site in the first place....but I found it last May and tried it out. These were the results....



I realize it has almost been a year since I did this the first time...but I have always wanted to go back and use our baby pictures instead. I went back to the Resemblance blog that I posted over the Christmas break to get the pictures....


This is try #1.....this includes a picture of me when I was 18 months...Parker at 18 months...and Geoff at 14 months (it was the best I could do)....


And nothing! She supposedly looks equally like the both of us.....???


This next one is from our Christmas card picture from this past year....without mine and Geoff's baby pictures....


We see a little difference here with Parker looking a little more like Geoff...


Then I tried this....this was actually a family picture we took together this past Thursday night....


I was actually surprised by these results....showing she looks 11% more like Geoff...



In this one...I am 12 months....Parker is 15 months...and Geoff is 14 months.....

And this is the only one that shows that she looks more like her Momma.....


And then for this one last try...I took my 6 month picture....this picture of Parker at 4 and a half months.....and this picture of Geoff where he was about 5 months old....and surprise, surprise....



I think the kid may look more like her daddy.

But I didn't really need this Look-alike Meter to tell me so. I have really thought this all along.

And with that being said.....she looks like me, too! :)

Friday, March 20, 2009

The joys of taking pictures of Toddlers....


Hardly ever is it as easy as saying their name....telling them to say "Cheese!"....or "Smile pretty!"....or just "Look at me, pleeeease!!!!"

All of these photos are from yesterday...and with ALL of these....I called her name and this was her reaction.....

"Parker!!"

"Parker!!" (yeh...I see you grinning.....you know exactly what you're doing...)

"Parker! Look at Momma!"

"Parker!"

"Parker!!" (almost)

"PARKER ANN!!"

I guess saying her middle name is the key! Haha! Guess I'll have to remember that...but only to use on special occasions..... as not to abuse it....

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